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Old School House - Matterdale

Matterdale, near Keswick, Cumbria
Sleeps 8
Bedrooms 4
Bathrooms 3
Change Fri
Dogs welcome 2
4 star
Parking on site / nearby
Highchair available
Travel Cot available
Towels included
Family friendly
Quirky
Internet access
Open fire / wood burner
Enclosed garden / patio
Downstairs bedroom
Decorated for Christmas
Downstairs bathroom
Pub nearby
Complex
Country houses
15 more

At a glance

 

  • High above the Ullswater Valley, the views are spectacular over fields and fells from every window
  • Fantastic walks and epic mountain biking trails from your door - so you can leave the car behind
  • Brimming with character, the open-plan lounge-diner caters brilliantly for extended family and friend groups

 

Property code: OC-SZ367

This superb home welcomes eight guests and two furry friends, as no holiday is complete without your canine companion. Situated in a quiet spot but close to some of the Lake District’s top attractions, including Ullswater, you won’t have to travel far to sniff out adventures.

Enter the spacious hallway and hang up your coats, leads and place your walking boots down before heading through into the charming house oozing with character. Each room is unique in its own right. Get cosy on the lounge’s antique chairs, while the dogs snooze in front of the wood burner, set in a distinctive fireplace. Head up three stairs into the well-equipped kitchen which has a large range-style cooker, great for whipping up something tasty and enjoying it together at the dining table. The spacious house has four bedrooms: two on the ground floor and two upstairs, all of which have delightful views across to the fells. Outside there is an enclosed gravelled garden with seating, and over the quiet lane is an enclosed private garden. Great for the dogs to sniff about and bask in the sun while you enjoy an evening tipple.

Explore the great outdoors from the doorstep, walking 1.5 miles to the spectacular Aira Force waterfall that sits above Ullswater. Take to the lake and try out stand-up paddleboarding, or board the dog-friendly Ullswater Steamers. The boats travel up and down Ullswater, offering a hop-on, hop-off service at several stops. Jump off at Pooley Bridge (6.5 miles) where you will find plenty of shops, restaurants and pubs. Find a new leash of life on the fells or other walks that wind through the Lake District.

  • 4 bedrooms - 2 twins (1 twin can be made up as super-king-size on request at time of booking), 1 king-size, 1 double
  • 3 bathrooms - 1 shower room with WC, 1 en-suite shower room with WC, 1 bathroom with WC (can be en-suite to king-size room)
  • Range-style oven with hob, fridge/freezer, dishwasher, microwave
  • Utility room with sink, ironing board, washing machine, tumble dryer and hanging rack
  • Cleaning products sensitive to the biodigestive system on site including Ecover Dishwasher tablets, Method cleaning spray and floor cleaner and recycled toilet roll
  • Wood burner
  • Smart TV/DVD
  • Wi-Fi included
  • Enclosed garden area across the quiet lane from the house - care should be taken with children when crossing
  • Shared gravel area to the rear of the house
  • Parking for 4 cars
  • 4 wall-mounted bike racks at the back of the house. Guests will need to provide their own bike locks.
  • Shop within 4 miles, pub 1 mile
  • There are three steps to access the ground floor bedroom and shower room and other internal steps throughout the property
  • The access road to the cottage can be icy in the winter - there is a grit box on the lane available for use
  • Group bookings - these may need to be checked with the owner first before confirming
  • This property will be decorated for Christmas
  • Arrival: 16:00 onwards
  • Departure: before 10:00
  • 2 dogs allowed. Additional charges may apply

Sarah Thyer

This property is personally managed by Sarah.

Reviews

From guests that have stayed at the property.

Based on 19 guest ratings

Overall cleanliness
Overall cleanliness 4.7 starsOverall cleanliness 4.7 starsOverall cleanliness 4.7 starsOverall cleanliness 4.7 starsOverall cleanliness 4.7 stars4.7
Overall equipment
Overall equipment 4.7 starsOverall equipment 4.7 starsOverall equipment 4.7 starsOverall equipment 4.7 starsOverall equipment 4.7 stars4.7
Overall comfort
Overall comfort 4.7 starsOverall comfort 4.7 starsOverall comfort 4.7 starsOverall comfort 4.7 starsOverall comfort 4.7 stars4.7
Overall location
Overall location 5 starsOverall location 5 starsOverall location 5 starsOverall location 5 starsOverall location 5 stars5

Reviewed by Karen 29th August 2026

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

We have stayed at various properties for many years in the Lake District and The School house was the best by far. The cottage was so well equipped, spacious and comfortable- every detail has been considered. It was furnished beautifully and also had a fascinating history behind it. The location of the house was perfect for us - stunning viewsRead more and away from the crowds in the Summer. We enjoyed so many walks in the area too. We have already booked for next year and cant wait to return. We would highly recommend this house. Hide

Reviewed by Fiona 4th July 2026

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

A lovely comfortable well equipped cottage in a perfect location in Matterdale - quiet and away from the crowds but in easy reach of Keswick and Ambleside if you want that bustle. Very well equipped kitchen and very comfortable living space.

Reviewed by Lesley 3rd May 2026

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

This was a perfect house for a family get together as there was so much space and each bedroom was equally lovely. A plus was that it was set so far back from the road with lovely views. It would be good for young children. There are plenty of walks without using the car, even if they are a bit challenging for those who arent used to hills. OurRead more favourite space was the reading room at the top of the stairs. Hide

Reviewed by Cathy 11th April 2026

Guest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 stars

The Old School House Matterdale is well equipped with everything you could ever want for your perfect home from home holiday and the location is 5 star perfection.

Reviewed by Christine 22nd February 2026

Guest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 stars

Lovely big warm house exactly as pictured . Amazing views Very quiet .Super quality bed linens . A memorable stay.

Reviewed by Anthony 19th December 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Very comfortable property in stunning location.

Reviewed by Diana 25th October 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Great location for exploring. Beautiful view from house and quiet, love the landing area for reading with the spectacular picture window. Well equipped and comfortable.

Reviewed by Hazel 10th October 2025

Guest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 stars

Reviewed by Dawn 19th September 2025

Guest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 stars

A fabulous holiday in a well appointed , well equipped cottage which is set up for family groups and gatherings of friends. Gorgeous views. Very comfortable. We'll be back

Reviewed by Barbara 5th September 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Really lovely, spacious property in a great location.

Reviewed by Hazel 22nd August 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

A lovely homely cottage with plenty or room, well equipped with everything needed for a comfortable stay. A picturesque peaceful location with wildlife on the doorstep, and well situated for getting around. I would definitely recommend.

Reviewed by Beverly 11th July 2025

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

Super very well equipped property, stunning views, fabulous local pub nearby.

Reviewed by Frances 13th June 2025

Guest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 stars

Property was lovely very comfortable and clean with many games jigsaws books . Also lots of walking sticks provided. Well stocked kitchen. The house is elevated overlooking stunning views. Plenty of walks in the area. Altogether a great place to stay.

Reviewed by Mariam 29th May 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Reviewed by Debra 16th May 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Fantastic stay in a wonderful house surrounded by beautiful countryside. The house has everything you need for your stay whether you decide to eat in or out. We had warm sunny weather all week so we enjoyed the front garden for the morning sunshine and the back garden for afternoon/evening sunshine. Open fire was nice for the cooler evenings. LovelRead morey comfortable beds and soft towels and clean through-out. The kitchen has all the utensils and equipment needed if you want to cook. Thank you Hide

Reviewed by Melanie 25th April 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Despite the previous comment everything was superb there were various generations amongst us and everyone enjoyed their week so much the tv was never turned on. Thankyou for our stay and hopefully we can return one daywe would happily and confidently recommend Old School House .

Reviewed by Annie 25th October 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

The Old School House is the most beautiful character property, modernised but with old charm, so well equipped nothing that was missing. Plenty of space too. The views and location were stunning. Fabulous walks from the door too! Highly recommend will definitely be returning.

Reviewed by Ryan 25th September 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Reviewed by Sheehan 20th September 2024

Guest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 stars

Great property that is well equipped and cosy for a family set up.

17 more
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Location

Map
Note: As the postcode is used to identify the general area of the property, it may not always reflect its precise location, therefore please only use this map as a guide.

1 more property at this location

Teachers Cottage - Matterdale

Teachers Cottage - Matterdale

Sleeps: 2 | Bedrooms: 1

£583 - £1,050

To arrange group bookings across one or more of these properties, call our team to check availability and book.

Canine Cottages is a trading name of The Travel Chapter Limited | The Travel Chapter Limited is registered in England and Wales. | Registered office Travel Chapter House, Gammaton Road, Bideford, EX39 4DF. Company No. 02431506 | VAT reg: 143053210.